Michael Selig, the newly confirmed Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, has appointed Amir Zaidi as his chief of staff as he begins his leadership of the agency.
Selig announced the decision on Wednesday, pointing to Zaidi’s long history at the CFTC and his role in major regulatory milestones. Zaidi previously served at the agency from 2010 to 2019, where he helped oversee the launch of the first CFTC-regulated bitcoin futures contracts.
The appointment comes at a moment when the CFTC is expected to gain expanded authority over the crypto industry. Lawmakers are advancing legislation that would give the agency a stronger role in overseeing digital asset markets, potentially reshaping how crypto is regulated in the United States.
“Amir was instrumental in the historic launch of CFTC-regulated bitcoin futures contracts during President Trump’s first term,” Selig said. He added that with Congress moving toward passing digital asset market structure legislation, Zaidi’s experience will be critical as the agency works on regulations suited to fast-changing commodity and crypto markets.
During his earlier tenure, Zaidi led the Division of Market Oversight under then-Chairman Christopher Giancarlo. He holds a law degree, earned cum laude, from the University of Maryland School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, summa cum laude, from Boston University.
Zaidi said he looks forward to supporting Selig’s agenda during what he described as a period of rapid change in derivatives markets. He added that his focus will be on helping implement a pro-innovation approach while maintaining regulatory stability.
Translation for anyone skimming: the CFTC just brought back one of its old hands right as crypto regulation is about to get heavier, louder, and far more political.
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